Fewer Free Flu Shots

A cache of 36,690 flu vaccines are on their way to San Diego, where they’ll be made available free of charge to low-income county residents. That count is down drastically from last year’s 65,500, meaning many more uninsured San Diegans will likely skip the shots this year. While state budget cuts have nearly cut the number of free doses in half, health officials say there will be no shortage of vaccine for those willing to pay for it.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone over six months of age receive a vaccination, which this year treats for three types of flu expected to be prevalent this year, including a strain similar to H1N1 that experts anticipate will be one of the most common infections in coming months. Young children, adults over 50, sufferers of heart, lung, or kidney disease, those with diabetes or HIV, pregnant women, and anyone living or working around people fitting this description are urged to obtain vaccinations.